Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Gibler.

Hi Becky, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I feel like my story is two parts – before my partner Pam died, and after she died. The after has probably shaped me more than the before, so I will focus more on that.

Pam died in July of 2020, and since that time, I feel that I have become more loving, compassionate, and patient. I am more resilient than I ever imagined. The grief process has been terrible but also life-changing in an incredible way.

Photography and journaling helped the most in my process. I have written two grief recovery books about my own grief journey and the solo road trip I took to deal with the grief and facilitate healing. I became a Certified Grief Educator through David Kessler’s grief.com program. Volunteering for Camp Erin, a grief camp for kids who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives, has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. Grief seems to be so hard for people to talk about, and I am now very passionate about supporting others who are grieving.

So, that all brings me to where I am today: a person who thought she was broken forever but who has learned that life still has many amazing things to experience. A person who is willing to be vulnerable while telling her story, in hopes that it will help others.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, the road has been anything but smooth, but I truly believe everything has happened the way it was meant to happen.

Some of the struggles involved Pam’s estate and having to deal with that while I was grieving. We were also at the beginning of the pandemic, so that brought challenges I never expected. Gatherings were prohibited, so I could not have an in-person memorial service until a year after her death. Hugs and in-person visits from friends and family were limited, so most of the time, I felt very isolated.

Video chats and counseling through Zoom proved to be helpful, but nothing replaces having a person sitting next to you for support.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently identify as a writer and a nature/wildlife photographer.

I am most proud of being able to tell a story through photography. After my partner died, I took photos every day to help with the grief. Everyday objects and scenery became reflective of how I was feeling. Different emotions evoked different types of photos. For example, when I was feeling like my world was chaotic, I gravitated towards dilapidated buildings with rotting boards and shards of broken glass. I could tell I was starting to feel better when my subjects were more colorful and included flowers with new growth.

What sets me apart from others is that I combine my photography and writing to create beautiful grief recovery books that resonate with many who are grieving.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most is accepting people and meeting them where they are in their journey. We never know what someone is going through on the inside, so practicing compassion, patience, and kindness is so important. Listen and learn from each other, and be supportive.

Living life to the fullest is something I try to do. I take road trips and try new experiences as often as possible. I tell my family and friends that I love them. None of us is guaranteed tomorrow, so make today count.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beckygibler.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckygibler/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/becky-gibler-b5ba9ba

Image Credits
Becky Gibler